Wisconsin Deer Hunting Rule Changes For 2014

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1 Deer Management Unit (DMU) Changes The former boundaries of most DMUs have been eliminated. County boundaries will designate most units in 2014 and beyond. Know where county boundaries are located before you start hunting. All Metro subunits have been maintained. State Park units have been eliminated. See the 2014 Deer Hunting Regulations for details. Automated Deer Registration In 2014: All deer hunters will still be required to register harvested deer in-person at a registration station. Other registration methods will also be tested and hunters will be randomly selected to participate using various automated registration methods. Starting In 2015: All hunters will choose from a variety of methods to register deer that may include telephone, internet and in-person registration. Automated registration allows for instantaneous data collection, is convenient for hunters and can result in significant cost savings for hunters and the state. Some deer registration stations are expected to be maintained throughout the state to collect age and sex data, and CWD samples. White and Albino Deer Protection The protection of all white and albino deer has been restored statewide, including CWD affected areas. Baiting and Feeding Baiting and feeding deer is not allowed in counties where CWD has been discovered or counties within 10 miles of where a CWD-positive deer was found (see map below). To read the full baiting and feeding regulations, please visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword Baiting and Feeding Regulations Possession and Transportation of Deer A person may not possess someone else s tagged deer while in the field, even after it is registered, unless the tag holder is present. All deer must be registered by 5 p.m. the day after kill, EXCEPT during the November 9-day gun deer season, hunters have until 5 p.m. the day after the season closes to register their deer. For additional information, to read the full DTR report or to contact us, please visit and search keyword Deer Trustee Report The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunity in its employment, programs, services, and functions under an Affirmative Action Plan. If you have any questions, please write to Equal Opportunity Office, Department of Interior, Washington, D.C This publication can be made available in alternative formats (large print, Braille, audio tape, etc) upon request. Please call for more information. Wisconsin Deer Hunting Rule Changes For 2014 This pamphlet summarizes some, but not all rule changes to deer hunting regulations for 2014, including some that were developed as a result of the Deer Trustee Review process. A more complete explanation of all deer hunting rules as well as more detailed maps of hunting zones and Deer Management Units can be found in the 2014 Deer Hunting Regulations pamphlet available in August at all DNR license vendors. Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 7921 Madison, WI PUB-WM Revised 6/6/14 Revised 6/6/14

2 Standard Gun Deer Season Structure 2014 Licenses and Deer Tags Deer Hunting Season 2014 Deer Season Season dates Archery & Crossbow Seasons Sept. 13 Jan. 4, 2015 Archery & Crossbow Seasons - All Metro Subunits Youth Gun Hunt (Not in State Parks) Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Certain Disabilities (Not a statewide season) November 9-day Gun Deer Gun Deer Season - All Metro Subunits Muzzleloader December 4-day Antlerlessonly Hunt Holiday Hunt Sept. 13 Jan. 31, 2015 October 11 & 12 Statewide October 4 12 Enrolled Properties Only November Statewide Nov. 22 Dec. 10 Dec Statewide Dec Central Farmland and Central Forest Zones units only Dec. 24 Jan. 1, 2015 Antlerless Only 9-day Gun Deer Season: Statewide (no change). 4-day December Antlerless-only* Deer Season: Central Farmland and Central Forest Zone units only. 9-day Antlerless-only* Holiday Hunt: Southern Farmland Zone units only (excluding State Parks). The Holiday Hunt has been shortened by 3 days. *Only antlerless deer may be harvested with gun, bow or crossbow Bonus Buck Opportunities Bonus buck opportunities will be offered in the Southern Farmland Zone units only. Each unfilled bonus buck authorization sticker earned during the 2013 deer season can still be used during the 2014 deer season. Only one bonus buck authorization sticker earned during the 2014 deer seasons may be used during the 2014 deer seasons. The free statewide archery antlerless deer tag will no longer be issued with archer hunting licenses. Each deer hunting license (archer, gun, crossbow) will be valid for one buck statewide. Hunters who purchase both archer and crossbow licenses will be issued ONLY one buck tag for the two licenses. One free antlerless tag will be issued with each deer hunting license (2 with a patron license; not weapon specific) for use in any Farmland Zone unit only, EXCEPT these tags will be valid statewide for youth under 18 years of age and Class A and C disabled permit holders. All Zones Statewide: Additional bonus antlerless tags may be purchased if available. Additional Bonus Antlerless Tags: Where available, all bonus antlerless tags will be unit and land type (public or private) specific. The number of public and private lands tags available will be based on harvest objectives within each unit. Bonus antlerless tags may be purchased for $12/tag (residents) or $20/tag (non-residents) and will be sold first-come, first-serve until all are sold. Sales begin August 18, (Not in State Parks) Southern Farmland Zone units only Bonus buck authorization stickers earned in 2014 may not be valid in 2015.

3 Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine Douglas Bayfield Ashland Iron Burnett Washburn Polk Barron St. Croix Dunn Vilas Sawyer Price Oneida Rusk Lincoln Taylor Chippewa Marathon Pierce Eau Claire Clark Pepin Wood Portage Buffalo Trempealeau Jackson Quarantined County Florence Forest Marinette Langlade Menominee Oconto Shawano Door Kewaunee Waupaca Outagamie Brown Waushara Winnebago Calumet Manitowoc La Crosse Monroe Juneau Adams Marquette Green Lake Fond du Lac Sheboygan Vernon Richland Sauk Columbia Dodge WashingtonOzaukee Crawford Iowa Dane Jefferson WaukeshaMilwaukee Grant Racine Lafayette Green Rock Walworth Kenosha Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Map Updated 10/7/2014

4 Wisconsin DNR County Forest Program 2014 SFI Summary Surveillance Audit Report The Wisconsin County Forest Program has achieved continuing conformance with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard, Edition, according to the NSF-ISR SFIS Certification Audit Process. The 25 participating Wisconsin County Forests have been certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard since December 10, 2004 (SFI certificate #NSF-SFIS-1Y943). In 2009 the scope of the Wisconsin SFI Program was expanded, and the program was re-certified. This report describes the second annual follow-up Surveillance Audit following the 2012 Re-Certification Audit. Wisconsin County Forest Program includes 2.3 million acres of forestland managed by 29 counties in the central and northern portions of Wisconsin. The scope of the SFIS Certification encompasses sustainable forestry activities of participating counties within the Wisconsin County Forest System and land management operations in selected Wisconsin County Forests including 25 counties encompassing approximately 2.2 million acres of publicly owned forests, including the following counties: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Eau Claire, Florence, Forest, Iron, Jackson, Juneau, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marinette, Oconto, Oneida, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Vilas, Washburn, Wood Responsibility for management of these forests rests with elected county boards, with management activities implemented by county-employed foresters supported by DNR personnel. The forests are managed to provide revenue, habitat, recreational opportunities, and to protect biodiversity values and special sites. The lands abound with a variety of game and non-game wildlife species, and attract a variety of recreationists from hunters to trail users to nature enthusiasts. The most common tree species in order are aspen, sugar maple, red maple, red oak, red pine, basswood, and white birch. Harvest levels over the past decade have averaged over 17 million board feet and 750,000 cords per year. The Wisconsin County Forest s SFI Program is managed by Joseph A Schwantes, DNR County Forests Specialist. A County Forest Certification Committee comprised of representatives of the counties, the Wisconsin County Forests Association, and DNR staff help implement the SFI program, reviewing progress and making suggestions for improvements or changes as needed. The Wisconsin County Forests Association provides considerable support for certificationrelated activities and is a key support mechanism for the program. 1

5 SFIS Surveillance Audit Process The audit was performed on August 12-15, 2014 by Tucker Watts, Lead Auditor and JoAnn Hanowski, Avian Ecologist. FSC Lead Auditor Kyle Meister also supported the team s activities. Auditors meet requirements for conducting SFIS Certification Audits per Section 9. SFI Audit Procedures and Auditor Qualifications and Accreditation of Requirements for the SFI Program: Standards, Rules for Label Use, Procedures, and Guidance. The audit was conducted in conjunction with an FSC audit covering three of the same counties and one SFI-only county, the same organizational approach, and by the same audit team. The two processes (SFI and FSC) shared audit teams and reviewed much of the same evidence, but each program had a different team leader and audit objectives. This report is intended to describe the SFI portion of the evaluation; information about the FSC annual audit is available from Wisconsin DNR. The objective of the audit was to assess ongoing conformance of the firm s SFI Program to the requirements of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard, Edition. Four counties were reviewed: Eau Claire, Jackson, Juneau, and Marathon Counties. Forest practices that were the focus of field inspections have been conducted since January 1, 2013, but some older sites were reviewed as well. All of the relevant SFI requirements were examined during the audit. Multi-site sampling requirements provided in Section 9 of Requirements for the SFI Program: Standards, Rules for Label Use, Procedures, and Guidance were also reviewed. The requirements of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard, Edition were used in the audit; no indicators were modified. As with the initial certification, the scope included timberland only, as the Wisconsin County Forest Program s SFI programs do not include procurement operations. Several of the SFI Performance Measures were outside of the scope of the county programs and were excluded from the scope of the SFI Certification Audit as follows: Indicator Plantings of exotic tree species Indicator Afforestation programs Objectives 8 13 Procurement Requirements Indicator Alternatives to BMPs (BMPs are in place) The review was governed by a detailed audit protocol and plan designed to enable the audit team to determine conformance with the applicable SFI requirements. The process included the assembly and review of audit evidence consisting of documents, interviews, and on-site inspections of ongoing or completed forest practices. Documents describing these activities were provided in advance, and a sample of the available audit evidence was reviewed. During the audit NSF-ISR reviewed a sample of the written documentation assembled to provide objective evidence of SFIS Conformance. NSF-ISR also selected field sites for inspection based upon the risk of environmental impact, likelihood of occurrence, special features, and other criteria outlined in the NSF-ISR SFI-SOP. NSF-ISR also selected and interviewed stakeholders such as contract loggers and other interested parties, and interviewed employees within the organization to confirm that the SFI Standard was understood and actively implemented. 2

6 The possible findings of the audit included Full Conformance, Major Non-conformance, Minor Non-conformance, Opportunity for Improvement, and Practices that exceeded the requirements. Overview of 2014 Audit Findings Wisconsin County Forest Program s SFI Program was found to be in conformance with the SFIS Standard. There were no non-conformances, and the program was recommended for continued certification. Review of 2013 Findings There were no Minor Non-conformances in In 2013, an Opportunity for Improvement was identified. During the 2013 audit an opportunity to improve consistency in determining and recording the Habitat Classification Types on the Timber Sale Notice and Cutting Report (Form A) Update: The audit team found increased emphasis on Habitat Classification Types. Training was conducted during the year. Timber Sale Notice and Cutting Reports provided consistent detail Exceptional Practices Wisconsin County Forest Program was found to exceed the SFI Standard as follows: Incorporation of aesthetics in high use and high visibility areas was exceptional. Aesthetics was a consideration in planning silvicultural activities in these areas. (SFI Performance measure Incorporation of aesthetic considerations in harvesting, road, landing design and management, and other management activities where visual impacts are a concern. ) Involvement of user groups and community groups in public land planning and management provided for a wide range of stakeholders representing various user interests. Plans for annual activities are posted at kiosk in recreational areas for individual user review. (SFI Performance Measure Involvement in public land planning and management activities with appropriate governmental entities and the public. ) The next Audit is scheduled for August, This will be a Re-Certification audit. 3

7 General Description of Evidence of Conformity NSF s audit team used a variety of evidence to determine conformance. A general description of this evidence is provided below, organized by SFI Objective. Objective 1. Forest Management Planning - To broaden the implementation of sustainable forestry by ensuring long-term forest productivity and yield based on the use of the best scientific information available. Summary of Evidence The forest management plans for Eau Claire, Jackson, Juneau, and Marathon Counties, supporting documents including WDNR manuals and handbooks, and the county forest inventory reports were the key evidence of conformance. Objective 2. Forest Productivity - To ensure long-term forest productivity, carbon storage and conservation of forest resources through prompt reforestation, soil conservation, afforestation and other measures. Summary of Evidence Field observations and associated records were used to confirm practices. There are ongoing programs for reforestation, for protection against insects and diseases and wildfire, and for careful management of activities which could potentially impact soil and long-term productivity. Objective 3. Protection and Maintenance of Water Resources - To protect water quality in streams, lakes and other water bodies. Summary of Evidence Field observations of a range of sites were the key evidence. Auditors visited portions of selected field sites that were closest to water resources. Objective 4. Conservation of Biological Diversity including Forests with Exceptional Conservation Value To manage the quality and distribution of wildlife habitats and contribute to the conservation of biological diversity by developing and implementing standand landscape-level measures that promote habitat diversity and the conservation of forest plants and animals, including aquatic species. Summary of Evidence Field observations, written plans and policies, use of college-trained field biologists, availability of specialists, and regular staff involvement in conferences and workshops that cover scientific advances were the evidence used to assess the requirements involved biodiversity conservation. Objective 5. Management of Visual Quality and Recreational Benefits - To manage the visual impact of forest operations and provide recreational opportunities for the public. Summary of Evidence Field observations of completed operations and policies/procedures for visual quality were assessed during the evaluation. Maps of recreation sites as well as field visits, helped confirm a very strong commitment to recreation programs and facilities. Objective 6. Protection of Special Sites - To manage lands that are ecologically, geologically, or culturally important in a manner that takes into account their unique qualities. Summary of Evidence Field observations of completed operations, records of special sites, training records, and written protection plans were all assessed during the evaluation. 4

8 Objective 7. Efficient Use of Forest Resources - To promote the efficient use of forest resources. Summary of Evidence Field observations of completed operations, contract clauses, inspection reports, and discussions with supervising foresters and with loggers provided the key evidence. Objectives 8 through 13 are not applicable Objective 14. Legal and Regulatory Compliance - Compliance with applicable federal, provincial, state and local laws and regulations. Summary of Evidence Field reviews of ongoing and completed operations were the most critical evidence. Information provided by Wisconsin DNR was also a factor. Objective 15. Forestry Research, Science, and Technology - To support forestry research, science, and technology, upon which sustainable forest management decisions are based. Summary of Evidence Financial records and awareness of predicted climate change impacts were confirmed. This Objective was not audited in its entirety in Objective 16. Training and Education -To improve the implementation of sustainable forestry practices through appropriate training and education programs. Summary of Evidence Training records of selected personnel, records associated with harvest sites audited, and stakeholder interviews were the key evidence for this objective. This Objective was not audited in its entirety in Objective 17. Community Involvement in the Practice of Sustainable Forestry - To broaden the practice of sustainable forestry by encouraging the public and forestry community to participate in the commitment to sustainable forestry, and publicly report progress. Summary of Evidence Interviews, agendas for meetings, and participation in the Wisconsin SFI Implementation Committee were sufficient to assess the requirements. Objective 18: Public Land Management Responsibilities - To support and implement sustainable forest management on public lands. Summary of Evidence Interviews and review of policies were used to confirm the requirements. Objective 19. Communications and Public Reporting - To broaden the practice of sustainable forestry by documenting progress and opportunities for improvement. Summary of Evidence Reports filed with SFI Inc. and the SFI website were the key evidence. Objective 20. Management Review and Continual Improvement - To promote continual improvement in the practice of sustainable forestry, and to monitor, measure, and report performance in achieving the commitment to sustainable forestry. Summary of Evidence Records of program reviews including annual Partnership Meetings, periodic internal audits, and agendas and notes from management review meetings, and interviews with personnel from all involved levels in the organization were assessed. 5

9 Relevance of Forestry Certification Third-party certification provides assurance that forests are being managed under the principles of sustainable forestry, which are described in the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard as: 1. Sustainable Forestry To practice sustainable forestry to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs by practicing a land stewardship ethic that integrates reforestation and the managing, growing, nurturing and harvesting of trees for useful products and ecosystem services such as the conservation of soil, air and water quality, carbon, biological diversity, wildlife and aquatic habitats, recreation, and aesthetics. 2. Forest Productivity and Health To provide for regeneration after harvest and maintain the productive capacity of the forest land base, and to protect and maintain long-term forest and soil productivity. In addition, to protect forests from economically or environmentally undesirable levels of wildfire, pests, diseases, invasive exotic plants and animals and other damaging agents and thus maintain and improve long-term forest health and productivity. 3. Protection of Water Resources To protect water bodies and riparian zones, and to conform with best management practices to protect water quality. 4. Protection of Biological Diversity To manage forests in ways that protect and promote biological diversity, including animal and plant species, wildlife habitats, and ecological or natural community types. 5. Aesthetics and Recreation To manage the visual impacts of forest operations, and to provide recreational opportunities for the public. 6. Protection of Special Sites To manage forests and lands of special significance (ecologically, geologically or culturally important) in a manner that protects their integrity and takes into account their unique qualities. 7. Responsible Fiber Sourcing Practices in North America To use and promote among other forest landowners sustainable forestry practices that are both scientifically credible and economically, environmentally and socially responsible. 8. Avoidance of Controversial Sources including Illegal Logging in Offshore Fiber Sourcing To avoid wood fiber from illegally logged forests when procuring fiber outside of North America, and to avoid sourcing fiber from countries without effective social laws. 9. Legal Compliance To comply with applicable federal, provincial, state, and local forestry and related environmental laws, statutes, and regulations. 10. Research To support advances in sustainable forest management through forestry research, science and technology. 6

10 11. Training and Education To improve the practice of sustainable forestry through training and education programs. 12. Public Involvement To broaden the practice of sustainable forestry on public lands through community involvement. 13. Transparency To broaden the understanding of forest certification to the SFI Standard by documenting certification audits and making the findings publicly available. 14. Continual Improvement To continually improve the practice of forest management, and to monitor, measure and report performance in achieving the commitment to sustainable forestry. Source: Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Standard, Edition For Additional Information Contact: For More Information Contact: Joseph A Schwantes, County Forests Specialist Wisconsin DNR Forestry Division 101 S Webster Street - FR/4, Madison WI Joseph.Schwantes@wisconsin.gov or Norman Boatwright, SFI Program Manager NSF Sustainability P.O. Box 4021, Florence, SC nboatwright@gmail.com